April 20, 2007 — Kmart Pharmacies will continue to accept discount prescription-drug cards issued by American Consultants Rx (ACIRX), according to a news release from Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen.
"Kmart Pharmacies have always looked for new ways to serve our customers, to earn their trust and to build lifelong relationships," said Dale Purvis, director of third-party administration for Kmart's parent company, Sears Holding Corporation. "We gladly accept the American Consultants Rx prescription discount program at all Virgin Islands Kmart pharmacies, as well as the over 1,100 Kmart pharmacies in the U.S."
The cards provide a benefit to families and individuals who are not Medicaid eligible or who do not have government or private health insurance. "With 24 percent of the people of our territory living without any kind of health coverage, this card may help people obtain the medicines that they need," Christensen said.
After a recent controversy about the cards, Kmart Pharmacies have affirmed that they will accept the discount prescription cards, but they ask that they be presented with the prescription to be filled, the news release said.
According to ACIRX President Charles Myrick, the cards, which are free and have no expiration date, provide a discount that may in some cases be up to a 40 percent discount on name brands and 60 percent discount on generic drugs.
Christensen emphasized that the cards are not for everyone. "They are for those who do not have insurance and who do not have Medicaid or Medicare Part D, except when one is in the Medicare 'donut hole,'" she said.
The cards are to be used one per family and are available on St. Croix at the Frederiksted Baptist Church in Frederiksted, the Altona Baptist Church in Christiansted and at Sen. Terrence Nelson's office. On St. Thomas, they are available at the East End Health Center, the Methodist Outreach Center and the International Gospel Center. Christensen emphasized that they are NOT being distributed at her offices, but that her office can assist agencies and organizations with eligible clientele to obtain the cards.
